Buenos Aires Goes Smoke Free

All indoor areas in Buenos Aires, including cafes and restaurants, are now Smoke Free zones.

The Argentine capital has long been known for its Mediterranean-style café culture, providing fine places where Porteños can linger with good friends over a jarrito of coffee or carafe of good wine—and perhaps a cigarette.

Argentina, though it still ranks third in the hemisphere for tobacco consumption, is finally letting go of the traditionally dark and smoky ambiance of its beloved cafés. The ban began back in 2005, when Law 1799 required separate non-smoking areas for all Buenos Aires businesses. But as of January 5, 2012, all enclosed areas in the capital are entirely smoke free. Many of the bars and restaurants downtown have already closed their smoking areas, but others may still need to adapt.